Tales of an Ancient Empire (An Eldarus/Dragon Court Forum Adventure)

Disclaimer: All the names mentioned herein this adventure are copyright to their owners. This adventure is considered NON-CANON to the current Eldarus story arc.


Table of Contents

1. Background
   
2. Rules & Guidelines
   
3. Map of Salamander Kingdom
   
4. Objectives

1 -Background:
Long ago, at a time and place far away...in the realm of Dragon Court. The name itself is now forgotten, but there was a time in which it had once stood as one of the most magnificent kingdoms in all the realm; at a time when adventure and glory was at its peak, during an age where heroes and legends walked the earth. There was a time when all this was alive, that which no longer breathes and flourishes, its only remains in the form of crumbling ruins.

Somewhere within its long history of conflicts and feuds, the capitol city of Salamander was once home to those heroes and villains that spent their time within that place. Once ruled by the immortal Queen Beth, the fate of the city is disputed by many, its histories and legends lost in the fabric of time itself. However, rumor has it that somewhere in these distant lands, there still remains partial evidence of its existence. Amongst these clues lies many sources that lead to artifacts of unimaginable power, items which once held together the ability to control and influence fate and destiny itself.

Now, driven by these rumors, bold adventurers from throughout the realm journey across vast distances to this forgotten place, each with his or her own interests. Here in this place that once was the birthplace of legends, another conflict now begins...

2 - Rules & Guidelines
ToAE is play-by-forum adventure designed for small and large groups of players. Each player posts once, describing their action and movement in the process; at the same time, players are able to interact with one another including forming their own alliances and feuds. The land of Dragon Court is vast in scale, based after this user's interpretation of the landscape. Travel is based on the movement guide below:

• On Foot: 5 Tile/Post
  
• Mounted: 10 Tile/Post
  
• Flying: 15 Tile/Post

Every action is based on the guide below:

• Combat (Physical): One post.
  
• Combat (Magical): One post.
  
• Searching/Tile: One post.
  
• Looting: One Post
  
• Interacting with NPC: Multiple
  
• Interacting with environment: Multiple

Generally speaking, there is no combat mechanic for ToAF. However, players should at least roleplay their characters to their best capacity -- be realistic, even the toughest warrior must settle for a moment's rest after a long battle; a lucky strike may result in a minor or even major injury, which takes time to heal.

From time to time, players will gradually discover both ordinary and magical treasure in the land of Salamander. Every encounter, every search has a chance to locate something new. There will be random chances for a character to trade with one of the few locals or NPC adventurers, but be warned: life within the forgotten kingdom of Salamander is rare, let alone friendly.

3 - Map of Salamander



Note: Players begin at the Star Circle nearby the ruined city of Salamander, Top Right corner. Each player arrives by their own means and circumstances, whether it is by magical teleportation, boat/vessel, or other means of transportation.

Directions

• Ruins of Salamander - To the North of the landing area is the ruined city of Salamander. Here in this fallen city remains the numerous landmarks that once stood proud during its existence, such as the fabled Keeper's Tavern and the Castle of Queen Beth.
  
• Field of Swords - To the South of the landing area lies the Field of Swords. Here in this place lies the remains of the last great conflict in Salamander's ancient history, where Queen Beth made her last stand against invading forces and disappeared without a trace. Numerous swords stand erect on this field, a grim reminder of a long forgotten period of time in history.
  
• The Fields - Legend has it that this area, where the grass has never withered, once marked the birthplace of many quests and adventures. Duels have been fought here in the past, alliances were once formed, and brotherhoods were formed within this place.
  
• Dragon Pass - South of the Fields is a small valley that once was home to a small tribe of centaurs. Though none of their descendants remain, one may still discover ancient engravings from this area scattered thhroughout the valley.
  
• Goblin Mounds - This place was once known to have been the entrance to one of the largest tunnel networks ever documented. It was said that goblin miners had somehow tamed giant earthworms to dig into this vast maze of caverns and burrows. Its entrance has long since been crumbed, the cause of which is a mystery to this day.
  
• The Forest - North of Dragon Pass lies a vast glade of temperate trees. This place was once known as The Forest, a sacred ground for druids and Elves that called this area home. According to legend, these Elves often had disputes with Salamander, defending their homes to prevent the expansion of the kingdom into their territory.
  
• Fenris Mountains - Beyond the edges of the Forest lies the mystical Fenris Mountains, which was once said to have been the home of forgotten Dwarves and gryphons. It was once documented that an ancient dragon once claimed the mines as its territory though its fate is yet to discovered.
  
• Dragon Springs - Nearby to the East of the Forest is the Dragon Springs. Legend has it that those who bathed within its waters would emerge with renewed vigor, refreshed from whatsoever ailment that may have once plagued them. This place was once home to the fabled Salamander Rangers.
  
• Fort Oak Shield - Far to the South of the Forest lies the abandoned fort of Oak Shield, a former clan that was formed together to create a small but closely knit brotherhood of adventurers. Although once active in many of Salamander's conflicts, the clan eventually dispersed due to the loss of many members. Rumor has it that it had once taken part in the Baal Wars, a conflict which was so vast in scale it was suggested to have consumed Salamander entirely.
  
• Badlands - To the North West lies the Badlands, beyond that is unknown territory. It was once said that certain clans which opposed the expansion of Salamander were settled in the wastelands beyond. Here it was said to have been the place of many conflicts, where no trees would grow and no flowers would blossom.
  
• Eternal Plains - Beyond the regions of the West lies the Eternal Plains, home to many other clans and townships. What documents and scrolls that described the places beyond have since been lost since the fall of Salamander itself.

4 - Objectives

ToAE has no primary or secondary objectives. Its design is to allow players to explore an alternate (or even familiar) setting beyond the reaches of Eldarus itself. Some players may choose to return their characters to Salamander, perhaps to bury away a piece of their past, perhaps to settle some unfinished business; others may choose to come here for entirely different reasons such as looting and profiting off stolen artifacts, perhaps to even pay tribute to fallen friends and old enemies. Due to the unknown timeline of this setting, the events depicted here are to be considered NON-CANON (unless Admins say otherwise). Feel free to explore the map itself at your own leisure. That aside, remember to have fun and enjoy yourself!